Israel-Turkey: positive dynamics

Pyotr Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively to VK

“Avigdor Lieberman’s agreement to give an interview to Turkish media was very unexpected for us. Another surprise was Benjamin Netanyahu’s agreement to meet Turkish journalists. Lieberman conducted the interview in his natural manner – he said what he thought and was sometimes rude to the journalists interviewing him. We were afraid of the interpretation of this in the Turkish mass media. But when the materials on the meetings were published, they appeared to be very positive! This is an important step on the path of rapprochement between our countries.” That is how one of the top officials of the Israeli Foreign Ministry commented on the news in Israeli-Turkish direction.

The possibility of the normalization of Israeli-Turkish relations is one of the main themes for all Israeli periodicals. The most interesting analysis of the developments happening in this direction was presented by the observer Atila Shumpelbi: “Does it mean we are close to reconstruction of relations with Ankara? I’m not sure. But of course, pressure is put on Netanyahu for him to make certain steps toward Turkey.”

According to observers, the pressure comes from three sides: from the USA (let’s remember the recent visit by Hillary Clinton), from President Shimon Peres and from the head of the General Staff of the Israeli Army, Beni Ganz. All of them tell the current authorities of the country that improvement of relations with Turkey will provide Israel with freedom for manoeuvre in the Iranian direction and throughout the whole region.

At the same time, it cannot be excluded that the developments are part of a well-thought-out PR campaign developed and agreed by the foreign ministries of both countries. On the one hand, publications in the Turkish mass media are aimed at preparation of public opinion for a turning point in foreign policy. On the other hand, meetings of the Israeli authorities with Turkish journalists prepare Israel for the necessity of sacrificing principles in favour of the interests of the country and accepting Turkish conditions to some extent.